Arctic | Mammals
Ice seal unusual mortality event and strandings since 2018 Presenter: Barbara Mahoney , barbara.mahoney@noaa.gov, NOAA Fisheries, Protected Resources Division, Alaska Region Bonnie Easley-Appleyard , bonnie.easley-appleyard@noaa.gov, NOAA Fisheries Gay Sheffield , ggsheffield@alaska.edu, University of Alaska Fairbanks Raphaela Stimmelmayr , raphaela.stimmelmayr@north-slope.org, North Slope Borough, Department of Wildlife Management Nicole Edmison , nicole.edmison@alaska.gov, Alaska Department of Fish and Game Deborah Fauquier , deborah.fauquier@noaa.gov, NOAA Fisheries Barbara Lake , barb.lake@noaa.gov, NOAA Fisheries Rita Acker , rita.acker@north-slope.org, North Slope Borough, Department of Wildlife Management Beginning June 1, 2018, elevated ice seal strandings occurred along the Alaskan coastline of the Bering (north of 60 o ) and Chukchi seas. On September 12, 2019, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) declared an Unusual Mortality Event (UME) for bearded seals ( Erignathus barbatus nauticus ), ringed seals ( Pusa hispida hispida ), and spotted seals ( Phoca largha ), initiating an investigation. This is the second UME for ice seals in western Alaska since 2011. The Marine Mammal Protection Act defines UMEs as a stranding event that is unexpected, involves a significant die-off, and demands an immediate response. Since the UME was declared, beach surveys occurred, particularly around Kotlik to Stebbins, Kotzebue, Nome and Norton Sound, and Utqiaġvik. More than 400 ice seals stranded since 2018, including seals of all age classes. Of the nine live seals that stranded, seven (6 ringed, 1 spotted) seals were relocated and immediately released at remote beaches and two (1 bearded, 1 spotted) seals remain under human care. Tissue samples for genetic analyses and sex determination were collected from about 30% of ice seals. Other tissue samples were collected from fresh seals, including kidneys (17 seals); livers (13 seals); stomachs (13 seals); and blubber, brain, heart, and spleen (<11 seals). Hard tissues, such as claws and whiskers were collected from seals in advanced decomposition. Ice seals are essential to the nutritional, cultural, and economic well-being of coastal communities throughout western and northern Alaska. Understanding the contributing causes of these strandings, and of this UME, remains critical so community concerns regarding food safety and security can be addressed.
Alaska Marine Science Symposium 2023 289
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